Bumble Bee Foods expands recall of tuna products

Bumble Bee Foods LLC is expanding a voluntary recall on specific codes of 5-ounce Chunk White Albacore and Chunk Light Tuna products. The recall has been issued because the products do not meet the company’s standards for seal tightness.

Loose seals or seams could result in product contamination by spoilage organisms or pathogens and lead to illness if consumed. There have been no reports to date of any illness associated with these products.

Bumble Bee initially announced the voluntary recall on Wednesday, March 6, after identifying an issue on a manufacturing line, which has been corrected. The company’s final assessment of all products affected with the recall include the following products with “best by” and code dates:

These products were distributed for retail sale nationwide between Jan. 17 and March 6, 2013.

Bumble Bee Foods SVP of Technical Services and Corporate Quality Assurance Steve Mavity said: “Due to can integrity concerns, our top priority at this time is to remove these recalled products from distribution as soon as possible. We are working closely with our sales team and with retailers to help expedite the recall.

“We must assure our consumers and retailers of a safe and quality product so we very much appreciate everyone’s part in disposing of the products with the specific codes indicated. We’re voluntarily recalling products to ensure the highest margin of safety and quality,” Mavity said.

Consumers who have purchased the recalled products should discard them by disposing in the garbage. Consumers should also direct any questions on the recall or reimbursement by contacting the 24-hour dedicated recall line at 888-820-1947.